7. a. In addition to the purposes set forth in section 1 of P.L.1999, c.440 (C. 40A:11-4.1), a local contracting unit may use the competitive contracting provisions set forth in the “Local Public Contracts Law,” P.L.1971, c.198 (C. 40A:11-1 et seq.) as modified under this section, in lieu of public bidding, for the purpose of entering into a contract pursuant to subsection b. of section 2 of this act concerning broadband telecommunications infrastructure for the provision of broadband telecommunications service via a wireless community network.

b. Contracts awarded pursuant to this section may be for a term not to exceed seven years, however, a contact awarded pursuant to this section may be extended for an additional term of three years by mutual agreement of the parties to the contract if the ability to extend was set forth in the original request for proposals documentation.

c. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 5 of P.L.1999, c.440 (C. 40A:11-4.5) to the contrary, after proposals have been evaluated pursuant to subsection d. of that section, the purchasing agent or counsel or administrator may issue an interim report recommending that specific details be negotiated further with one or more of the potential vendors who submitted a proposal for the purpose of modifying the original proposal. After the conclusion of negotiations, and evaluation of all proposals as modified in accordance with this subsection, the purchasing agent or counsel or administrator shall prepare a final report evaluating proposals and recommending the award of a contract or contracts in accordance with the provisions of section 5 of P.L.1999, c.440 (C. 40A:11-4.5) that are not contrary to the provisions of this subsection.

L.2007,c.191,s.7.